Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticized allegations by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, claiming threats to his life. Ganduje dismissed the accusations as baseless, describing them as a ploy to mislead Nigerians and evoke unwarranted sympathy.
In a statement he personally signed, Ganduje expressed disappointment over Obi’s comments, shared on the latter’s verified X handle (formerly Twitter). He described the claims as “a calculated attempt to manipulate public perception through falsehood.” Ganduje emphasized that such narratives undermine constructive dialogue and are detrimental to the nation’s democratic fabric.
He clarified that Obi’s allegations were rooted in a misrepresentation of remarks made by Felix Morka, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, during an interview on Arise TV’s ThisDay Live program on January 4, 2025. According to Ganduje, Morka’s statements were devoid of any form of threat or malice and had been taken out of context to fuel Obi’s claims.
“Peter Obi’s deliberate distortion of Morka’s comments not only damages reputations but has also incited hostile reactions from his supporters against Morka and his family,” Ganduje asserted. He stressed that public figures have a duty to communicate responsibly and avoid spreading unverified information.
Ganduje also highlighted the content of Morka’s remarks, noting they were focused on addressing opposition rhetoric, particularly around so-called “prophets of doom” and flawed economic narratives. He reaffirmed that Morka’s comments were professional responses to criticism, consistent with his role as a party spokesperson.
Speaking further, Ganduje underscored the importance of freedom of expression as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, insisting that this right must be exercised with responsibility. He urged Obi to desist from peddling falsehoods and instead engage in meaningful democratic discourse.
“Does Mr. Obi believe that the APC will sit back and allow baseless narratives to go unchallenged?” Ganduje questioned, reiterating the party’s resolve to counter misinformation with verifiable facts. He also emphasized that the APC remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Tinubu-led administration.
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The APC Chairman concluded by reaffirming his support for Morka’s efforts to uphold the party’s values and defend the government against baseless accusations, as he reassured Nigerians of the APC’s dedication to fostering transparency and safeguarding the principles of democracy.
